The first Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) mission that I rode was in honor of PFC Tina M. Priest (19) of Smithville, Texas.
That was on March 17, 2006. In the almost-five months since then, I have ridden to honor and pay respect to eight other fallen Soldiers and Marines.
Sometime later next week, I will ride in my tenth PGR mission — to honor and pay respect to Sgt. George M. Ulloa Jr., 23, of Austin, Texas.
So many missions have happened so quickly, and I needed to slow down and look back — to remember how and why I started doing this. So on my way home from my last mission for SFC Kenneth Pugh (39) of Houston, TX, I stopped to visit the final resting place of PFC Priest.
Just a little more than 4 months since Tina’s burial, there is not a headstone on her grave. But then again, the grass hasn’t yet even grown over the spot where they buried her. It was still easy to find, though.
I was the only visitor at the Oakhill Cemetery outside of Smithville. The temperature when I arrived at the cemetery was over 100 degrees, but I still ended up lingering for more than two hours visiting the grave of Pfc Smith, as well as the graves of the numerous other veterans buried there.
One of the things I realized that afternoon is that my emotions are so much closer to the surface since I joined the PGR and started riding on these missions. When I saw the #1 Sister necklace — a gift from her twin sister — hanging at the grave, I was brought to tears.
I hope that our brave men and women can come home soon.
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lose connections with people, as is natural. Without thinking about Robbie at UrbanGrounds for months, I followed the rabbit trail of internet links, and ended up over there again. It was the first time in months. There, I was greeted with a story, Remembering PFC Tina M. Priest. Out of sight, out of mind, the memories started trickling back in. It’s amazing the old wounds. Even with the healing of time, people just don’t come back. That’s the first thing those of us who make it out of war realize, there
Yes, very sad. I hope that the families can take some comfort from the good will of the Patriot Guard Riders and all of the other Americans that pray for them and send them their condolences.
This is a great post thank you! And thank you for being a part of Patriot Guard Riders. I love your blog.
I sat here at the computer, 10:54 pm on a lonely Saturday night in Ocotber and typed the words “what happened to Tina Priest” in the computer. This site came up first. I know I never got around to thanking the Patriot Guard Riders personally for attending the services for Tina, I was too hurt, emotional, still in disbelief on the day of her funeral. Even still 6 months later the pain is REAL. I miss her sweet voice. I miss her pretty little face. I miss her naive silliness. I miss my little girl. The Patriot Guard Riders made a huge impact on the town of Smithville and in our family. I cannot thank all of you enough for being there with your support and love. I designed Tina’s headstone myself and it will be delivered soon. I ordered the granite from India. I thought and thought about what would befit her life in its etchings; her courage, her love for family and friends, her beauty and gracefulness. All things Tina. I wish that her death had not happened but I know I cannot change it. I wish that her death had not been in vain. I wish she was here but I take comfort in knowing she is in Heaven. I pray for the safe return of all our Soldiers, especially the brave females. Much love I send to you and everyone who reads this message.
As my mom said above, not a day goes by that I don’t think of Tina.. We miss her more than ever these days and now that the one year anniversary of her death is coming soon, we are all still in disbelief that Tina is gone. Everyday a memory of Tina comes up! The Patriot Rides were so wonderful at her service. I thank you too from the bottom of my heart for taking the time out of your own lives to honor her. That meant so much to see so many people that did not even to Tina to pay their respects. I wish everyone the best and agian thank you Patriot Riders for all that you do!!
I am in tears as I am reading this. I was with Tina in Iraq….she stood out more then anyone else that I knew there with her amazing personality. No matter what was going on or what we had to do she was always in good spirits. Our brigade had several losses over the last year we were deployed but I took hers the hardest……I will never forget her…I am so glad I found this. I am touched to know she had a twin sister too. The #1 sister is what made me cry…. The family is in my prayers.
I went to school with Tina. She sat right next to me in English and Business class. I was in Tech School at Keesler AFB in Mississippi when I heard that she had passed on and I could not attend the funeral. My mom went in my place and told me that the procession was beautiful and befitting of a fellow soldier and my once classmate and friend. Tina was one of those types that always had a smile, the purest kind, and was always playful, except when you ticked her off. Then ignoring was her specialty. She was just so nice. I can’t really write anymore, except to say that I miss her very much. You will never be forgotten. Joy, Tim, Danielle, you are in my prayers.
This too was my 1st mission… changed my life.
Whispanic
Today marks the 2 year anniversary of the death of Tina Priest.
I have not forgotten. I will be eternally grateful for the sacrifice she made so that I might live free.